In the late 1700s the Austro-Hungarian Empire included a vast area roughly defined by the modern countries of Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and northern Italy. It was within this empire that Mozart lived and became a Mason. Mozart became an Entered Apprentice on December 14, 1784 at Beneficence Lodge (Zur Wohltätigkeit) in Vienna. Mozart was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 22, 1785. For least a dozen years before Mozart and his family had turned to Masonic Lodges for help and protection during the family’s travels around Europe. A year or so later the great composer Joseph Hayden, a mentor to Mozart, was raised in the same lodge

Map of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

MOZART’S WORK AND EARLY LIFE

In 1772 Mozart composed an aria “O Heliges Band” (O Holy Band) indicating a clear manifestation of his interest and appreciation of Freemasonry. Many of Mozart’s fellow musicians were freemasons. The great librettist for Mozart’s operas The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte(K.588), was freemason Lorenzo Daponte. DaPonte wrote his memoirs and emigrated to America where ultimately he became the first professor of Italian History at Columbia University.

There are many reasons why Mozart joined Masonry. The reasons include: 1) Moral support, after Mozart finally liberated himself from his domineering father Leopold; 2) Mozart had friends who were Masons and who invited him to join a lodge. 3) Artistic opportunities to create a national opera; 4) the internalization of Masonic ideals; 5) The sheer joy of participation in Masonic brotherhood.

Vienna, then being the capital of a vast empire, was the center of culture and artistic ferment. The lodges in Vienna were composed mainly of nobility, merchants, intellectuals and artists. Mozart relished this companionship. In one of his Masonic lodges he wrote (in English translation):Make this place a holy temple,By the bond of brotherhood,And brothers all within your hearts,This day our temple sanctify,In years to come these walls shall standBearing witness to our labor.(K.148)

Clearly Mozart was cognizant of the bonds and ideals of Freemasonry. There are several other works that express Mozart’s Masonic leanings. As one writer stated about Mozart’s dedication to the craft “… he comes close as anyone understanding the fundamental ideas of Freemasonry which, after all, are symbols”. Some of the works by Mozart that have Masonic themes include:

-N.B. The translations of titles and Köchel catalogue numbers can be quite inconsistent)

Masonic funeral music was written by Mozart in memory of two of Mozart’s Masonic brethren, Duke Georg August of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Count Franz Esterházy von Galántha,[4] members of the Viennese aristocracy.

THE MAGICK FLUTE

Perhaps Mozart’s best known Masonic work is The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) K. 620, an opera in two acts. The Magic Flute is a crazy salad “of morals and magic, Freemasonry and fairy-tale, allegory and doggerel”. Mozart first got involved through the efforts of theatrical producer, frequenter of bars and taverns Emanuel Schikaneder. Schikaneder was not only the librettist for the opera but also a fellow Mason.The Magic Flute premiered on 30 September 1791 at Schikaneder’s theatre, the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna. This is one of Mozart’s last works, written during the last year of his life.

In this first German language operatic musical drama, Mozart, among other things, promoted the virtues of Freemasonry. The main plot involves the character Tamino, a handsome prince lost in a distant land. Tamio undergoes trials, including initiation into the rites of Isis and Osiris, which are widely seen as disguised aspects of Freemasonry. A non-Masonic viewer would not be aware, but the initiation rites are unmistakably Masonic. Tamio, only partially clad, approaches the door of wisdom and must knock three times. Once admitted he discovers an alter room with three lights arranged in a triangular fashion. The High Priest Sevestro assures the others present that Tamio is virtuous, discreet, and beneficent. Tamio is advised to practice the three virtues of steadfastness, tolerance, and discretion, He then undergoes three challenges, analogous to the three degrees of Masonry. The final chorus of The Magic Flute exalts the virtues of strength, beauty and wisdom, and in the process promotes the ideals of Freemasonry. One biographer of Mozart stated:

“It [The Magic Flute] would also in effect, present an allegorical and clarification of the whole movement of Freemasonry, depicted in all of its symbols as a force for good, overcoming those of evil”

“The Initiation of Mozart”

Death and Burial

To this day it is not known where Mozart is buried. And – in some quarters the Masons have been criticized for not giving Mozart a proper Masonic burial. Those of you who have seen the movie Amadeus remember that it ends with Mozart’s body, wrapped in a shroud, is dumped into a common grave. It is true that Mozart received a third class funeral, but Masons are not responsible. Mozart’s wife, Constance, was responsible for his funeral and burial arrangements. In Vienna at that time, by law, burial had to be done at night and outside of the bounds of the city, and with dispatch, due to the risk of spreading disease, especially smallpox. Mozart was a survivor of that disease in his childhood. Due to the distraught grieving widow burial arrangements were not adequately planned.

Mozart was raised as a Catholic but there is some doubt whether he received the sacrament of Extreme Unction due to his Masonic affiliation. Under the papal bull of Clement XI Catholics were forbidden to join the Masons under the threat of excommunication. Also it should be mentioned that Mozart was heavily in debt at the end of his life, both he and his wife having been profligate with the considerable money that Mozart had earned. Several letters exist indicating his debt to his Masonic brother Puchberg, a merchant.

Freemasons did not forget their fellow brother. A memorial meeting was held at the lodge of the newly crowned pope ( Zur Gekronten Hoffnung ). A brother named Hessler delivered the funeral oration. An excerpt follows:

“It has pleased the Grand Architect of the world to tear from our chain one of it’s most deserving and beloved links. Who did not know him? Who did not esteem him?? Who did not love him, our worthy brother, Mozart.“Only a few weeks ago he stood in our midst, glorifying with his magic sounds the dedication of our temple. Who among us would have thought then how soon he was to be taken from us? Who was to know that in three weeks we were to weep to morn him? It is a sad fate of men to have to leave this life with their excellent works unfinished. Kings die, leaving their incomplete plans to prosperity. Artists die, after having spent their lives in perfecting their art, and the general admiration follows them to the grave. Though he whole nation mourns them, it is usually their fate to be forgotten by those admirers –But not by us, my brothers. Mozart’s death is an irreplaceable loss to art. His talent, which already showed itself as a boy, made him one of the wonders of our time. Half of Europe esteemed him, the great called him their darling, and we call him – brother! Though it is proper to recall his achievements as an artist, let us not forget to honor his noble heart. He was a zealous member of our order. His love for his brothers, his cooperative and affirmative nature, his charity, his deep joy whenever he could serve one of his brethren, with his special talents, these were his qualities. He was a husband and father, a friend to his friends and a brother to his brothers. He only lacked riches to make hundreds of people as happy as he would have wished them to be.”

Summing it up it is best to quote the words of one of his scholars, Paul Nettle on Mozart’s reasons for joining the craft:

“Neither orthodox Catholicism nor the new Nationalism succeeded in satisfying him. What led him to Masonry was the reflection and self contemplation which followed his extensive wandering, and this also brought about the creation of his unique style. This is the meaning of Mozart’s entry into the Craft. It is the coronation of the master and we are safe in saying that the part od Freemasonry in his life was so decisive that the degree of its contribution to art has been grossly underestimated.”

Mozart exemplified the best of Freemasonry’s ideals and it poured over into his music. He was a Freemason’s Freemason, beloved by God – but also by his brothers.

Note
The indication “K.” refers to “Köchel Verzeichnis” (Köchel catalogue), i.e. the more or less chronological (by composition date) catalogue of Mozart’s works by Ludwig von Köchel.

A very brief biographical sketch:

Born, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 27 January 1756 The baptismal record gives his name in Latinized form as Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart.

Musical prescience noted 1760 “In the fourth year of his age his father, for a game as it were, began to teach him a few minuets and pieces at the clavier…. He could play it faultlessly and with the greatest delicacy..”

First public performance 1762. (Mozart was around 6 years old)

First opera: Mozart wrote the opera Mitridate, re di Ponto, 1770, (he was the 14 years old) which was performed in Milan with success.

Joined the Freemasons 1784

Wrote Masonic Funeral Music (Maurerische Trauermusik) 1785, was performed during a Masonic funeral service held on 17 November 1785

On Wednesday February 22

Masonic Lodge Of Research will hold its Installation of Officers together with a special presentation by Brothers Cedric Jacobson and Leland Moore;

“The Colonial Lodge at Refreshment: Reviving an Old Tradition”

describing their research on the recreation of an early punch that was used in Hiram Lodge 1.

ALL MASONS WELCOME.

Samples of the punch will be served after the meeting. A small donation is suggested.

The meeting will be held at 7:30 in the New Haven Masonic building, 285 Whitney Ave. in New Haven.

]]>https://lodge401.ctfreemasons.net/2017/02/05/336/feed/0How To Write A Paperhttps://lodge401.ctfreemasons.net/2017/01/30/how-to-write-a-paper/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-paper
https://lodge401.ctfreemasons.net/2017/01/30/how-to-write-a-paper/#respondMon, 30 Jan 2017 16:13:54 +0000https://lodge401.ctfreemasons.net/?p=287A problem we find with those considering joining the M.L.R. is their apprehension in writing papers. Really, there shouldn’t be! We do not look for perfection from anyone. we would rather like to feel an effort was made, regardless of the results. If one has never written anything of its kind before, he is not going to master it with this late start. Like everything else, it takes practice and work. Some of us have yet to write a paper that is worthy of putting into print, on the other hand, there are those in the Lodge who are excellent have degrees in English, and are willing to help those who need it.

I’ll tell you one thing though, by trying, it is one way to l earn more about Freemasonry, because it does require reading and research. A problem that does arise is what to write about. That should be no problem,. either, for there are literally hundreds of subjects. Certainly during your years in Masonry, some things must have caused you to wonder, raised doubts in your mind, or excited your curiosity enough to cause you to devote some time to research it and present your findings. You will be surprised at the type of subjects that have caused other Brothers to go to work. A recent paper was written-about he renovation of the White House.. A brother noted that most of the stones used to build the original White House were marked with Mason’s Marks. He came up with a wonderful story, which of course required some work and research, but the Brother has had a lot of pleasure in telling of his work, and many Masons have now been told of the rebuilding project and know about the markings on the Stones, all because of him. Another Brother was interested in Music written by Masons about Masonry. He had a wonderful presentation, with musical recordings and commentary. Still a third found much pleasure in writing about “Casanova” the Great Lover, and Mason. So you never know. There are all kinds of books available on practically every subject on Masonry. Public Libraries have shelves full; the Grand Lodge has a Library; the Scottish Rite in Stratfor. has many books and you will even find a great number of Brethren who have good sized Libraries at home. We feel sure they would be glad to loan the books out if they were promptly returned in the same condition as they were loaned. Books and reading material are available from the Masonic Service Association in Washington.; and other noted Libraries,such as the Grand Lodge of N.Y., Ohio, etc.

I said there are a great number of subject matter. You could write one, two or more pages on. Let me mention just a few;

This paper is presented to inform the candidate: (and to refresh the membership) in the usage of

Masonic Language and reference heard in the Lodge Room

The most important article of furniture in a Lodge room is undoubtedly the altar. It is worth while,

then, to investigate its character and its relation to the altars of other religious institutions. The

definition of an altar is very simple. It is a structure elevated above the ground, and appropriated

to some service connected with worship, such as the offering of obligations, sacrifices or prayers.

Altars, among the ancients, were generally made of turf or stone. When permanently erected and

not on any sudden emergency, they were generally built in regular courses of masonry, and usually in a cubical form. Altars were erected long before temples. Thus, Noah is said to have erected one as soon as he came forth from the ark. Heroditus gives the Egyptians the credit of being the first among the heathen nations who invented altars.

Among the ancients, both Jews and Gentiles, altars were of two kinds, for incense and for

sacrifice. The latter were always erect:ed in the open air, outside and in front of the temple. Altars

of incense only were permitted within the Temple walls. Animals were slain, and offered on the

altars of burnt offerings, On the altars of incense, bloodless sacrifices were presented and incense

was burnt to the Deity.

The Masonic altar, which, like everything else in Masonry is symbolic, appears to combine the character and uses of both of these altars. It is an altar of sacrifice, for on it the candidate is directed to lay his passions and vices as an oblation to the Deity, while he offers up the thoughts of a pure heart as a fitting incense to the Grand Architect of the Universe. The altar is, therefore, the most holy place in a Lodge.

Among the ancients the altar was always invested with peculiar sanctity. Altars were Diaces of refuge and the supplicants who fled to them were considered as having placed themselves under the protection of the deity to wh

om the altar was consecrated, and to do violence even to slaves and criminals at the altar, or to drag them from it, was regarded as an act of violence to the deity himself, and was hence a sacrilegious crime. The marriage covenant among the ancients was always solemnized at the altar, and men were accustomed to make all their solemn contracts and treaties by taking oaths at altars. An oath taken or a vow made at the altar was considered as more solemn and binding than one assumed under other circumstances. Hence, Hannibal’s father brought him to the Carthaginian altar when he was about to make him swear e:er enmity to the Roman power. In all the religions of antiquity, it was the usage of the priests and the people to pass around the altar in the course of the sun, that is to say, from the east, by the way of the south, to the west, singing paeans or hymns of praise as a part of their worship.

From all this we see that the altar in Masonry is not merely a convenient article of furniture, intended, like a table, to hold a Bible. It is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples for religious uses, and thus identifying Masonry, by its necessary existence in our Lodges, as a religious institution. Its presence should also lead the contemplative Mason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with solemn reverence, as being part of a really religious worship.

The situation of the altar in the French and Scottish Rites is in front of the Worshipful Master, and, therefore, in

the East. In the York Rite, the altar is placed in the centre of the room, or more properly a little to the East of the center.

The form of a Masonic altar should be a cube, about three feet high, and of corresponding proportions as to length and width having, in imitation of the Jewish altar, four horns, one at each corner. The Holy Bible with the Square and Compass should be spread open upon it, while around it are to be place three lights. These lights are to be in the East, West and South. The stars show the position of the light in the East, West and South. The dark spot represents the position North of the altar where there is no light, because in Masonry, the North is the place of darkness

Freemason’s have a very long and rich history which over the years has allowed the organization to obtain some of the best members possible without the need to much, if any, recruitment efforts. However, the world is changing, but freemasons have not. Because of this inability to change the organization has recently been hit with a recent and dramatic downturn in new membership. However, this trend can be reversed.

A strategic and active recruitment effort would help to reverse this trend. First, Freemasons must embrace the recent interest in the organization that has been handed to us by recent best selling novels and hit movies. Next, masons must make a greater effort to become an indispensable part of the community at large. Lastly, each year an active recruitment drive must be undertaken in order to grow our membership.

In recent years, interest in masonry has increased thanks to books such as The DaVinci Code and movies such as

National Treasure. However, the organization has failed to capitalize on this increased interest in the organization. By hosting viewings of these movies to interested parties we can explain how these portrayals of Masonry are both accurate and inaccurate. By painting a more complete portrait of our organization, we can increase the interest these potential new brothers have in our organization.

By becoming more active in our communities, we will be much more visible to potential new members. I feel the most important aspect of community involvement is with youth and the school. I feel that this is the most important aspect because our impressions as children are often harder to change then those formed as an adult. Also, by targeting youth, we will in turn leave a good impression on the parents, and will be able to capitalize immediately from this long term investment in membership recruitment. In addition, by being involved with the youth of the

community. This will not only aid the blue lodge, but also help to increase the membership in our

youth arms as well.

The way in which a lodge can get more involved in the community can vary widely, and each lodge must consider its own community, and how it can best become involved in its community. However, some suggestions I offer our is to volunteer with high school sports, sponsor an after school tutoring program, and sponsoring youth organizations outside of our own, such as scouting.

I, however, do not think that youth should be the only focus for our long term recruitment effort. While youth should be the main focus of our efforts, we must also not neglect being involved with the adult community as well. With a proper balance such as this both long term and short term recruitment will be taken into account. The most important aspect of this must be visibility. We can undertake as many well intentioned community projects as possible, but without having our names attached to such projects no increase in membership will be seen. Some projects that would spark the interests of the adults of the community include Habitat For

Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and volunteering at the local hospital and nursing homes.

Finally, the Grand Lodge must establish a committee for Masonic Recruitment. The responsibility of this committee should be to create a unified set of recruitment standards for which all lodges can use in its recruitment efforts. This recruitment committee should be divided into two distinct categories. The first category should be to head up statewide recruitment campaign. The second class should be providing support and training to the local lodge for their local recruitment campaign. On the statewide level the committee should create an active recruitment campaign that will be general enough that is will supplement the local lodge efforts. The most important part of

these efforts should be advertisement. The forms of advertisement can include, but is not limited to roadside billboards, TV commercials, and advertisements in major newspapers. The committee should also be charged with creating standard brochures that will be used in local recruitment efforts. I personally believe that these advertising campaigns should focus on our rich heritage.

By using some of our most famous brothers, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, we will more easily gain the attention of those who we wish to become brothers of our fraternity. On the local level, lodges must also do their part in order to recruit new members. Lodges can have open houses in order to bring in potential new members into the lodge to answer question they may have and also make them more familiar with freemasonry traditions and local lodge traditions as well. But most importantly the local lodge needs to make itself visible in its respective community. Efforts like this are not unprecedented by our fraternity. In my travels alone I have seen

the Grand Lodge of Illinois use a billboard campaign in order to spark interest in new membership. I know many in our fraternity feel that recruitment defies the principle of our order, but I argue against them. Our founders did not intend for us to build beautiful and majestic temples in order for them to become unused and in great disrepair. I believe it is in fact a disservice to those who have come before us to let such an event transpire. We may be the oldest organization in the world with well established traditions, but if we are hard set in these and unable to adapt we will become like King Solomon’s Temple we revere so greatly, a memory.